WIE Undergraduates: Computer Security (CS) Scholars
Program Overview | Program Projects | Program Details | Program Application
- Apply your knowledge
- Increase your research and professional competence
- Engage in substantive computer security research
- Collaborate with talented faculty, science and engineering research professionals, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates
- Build networks with women science and engineering mentors and peers
- Serve as a role model for female high school students
- Enhance your professional portfolio and resume
Program Description
Experience the creativity of the research process, contribute to exciting discoveries, and gain valuable experience through the Computer Security REU, coordinated by the Women in Engineering Program.
Undergraduate CS Scholars function as integral members of a team-based research project coordinated by a faculty member in the Clark School of Engineering.
The CS REU is open to students majoring in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physical science enrolled in any U.S. college or university, including the University of Maryland. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Each Scholar receives a $4,000 stipend plus a $300 allowance for meals while on-campus. Funding is available to Scholars to defray transportation costs. All Scholars will be provided with on-campus housing.
Teams conduct research for 10 weeks during the summer. Each team consists of four Scholars, one advanced Undergraduate Fellow (optional), one Graduate Fellow, and one Faculty Mentor. The advanced members of the team provide supervision, guidance and direction to the Scholars, who are expected to take initiative in fulfilling job responsibilities, completing work assignments, solving problems that arise (such as equipment breaking down), and finding answers to questions (by library research or contacting other research labs, etc.)
CS Scholars are trained in team skills, project organization, and research competencies vital to successful collaboration in science and engineering. The program further addresses issues of concern to women in science and engineering fields as well as provides information about preparing for graduate school and careers in academia.
Through the research experience, Scholars also participate in selected
activities of the
Exploring Engineering Program, a one-week summer program
for female high school students. Participation in this program
provides an important link in the continuum of mentorship for women in science and
engineering.
The concluding event of the summer is the CS Scholar's Research Symposium where research teams present posters and reports on their team activities and research results.
Eligible Scholars are provided assistance in pursuing additional funding from University of Maryland sources in order to continue conducting research during the academic year.
Program Goals
- To introduce Scholars to women mentors and role models
- To support Scholars’ achievement in their undergraduate studies in science and engineering fields by applying their academic learning to real-world problems in the area of computer security
- To encourage CS Scholars to pursue graduate degrees and careers in science and engineering
- To provide high-quality opportunities for Scholars to enhance their research knowledge, skill and ability
- To equip Scholars with advanced training in team skills, project management, and research competencies
- To strengthen and support Scholars’ professional development
Room, Board and Transportation
The Computer Security REU will provide CS Scholars with housing*. For students who do not
wish to reside in the designated CS REU housing, securing housing is the responsibility
of the applicant.
*To receive housing, students must reside in the location designated for CS Scholars.
Funding is available to defray transportation costs. Requests for assistance must be made at the time of application.
Eligibility
Students majoring in any engineering, physical science, mathematics, or computer
science discipline are strongly encouraged to apply. Students who have completed
a minimum of 24 credit hours of postsecondary coursework (or equivalent) at any
college or university, including the University of Maryland, are eligible. Women
are particularly encouraged to apply. The CS REU Program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent
residents.
Criteria for selecting CS Scholars
- Academic achievement
- Capacity to actively participate in a research team
- The fit between research projects and student’s skills and research/career interests
- Contribution of skills that complement the skills of others on the research team
- Commitment to supporting women in engineering, mathematics, computer and physical sciences
- Interest in peer mentorship
- Interest in continuing studies in graduate or professional school
Sponsors
- National Science Foundation: The CS REU is made possible through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site (award: CISE 0647321)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering
2009 Important Dates
(please note the program dates have changed from the original posting)
| Application Deadline: | March 16, 2009 |
Notification of Acceptance: |
April 1, 2009 |
Program Begins: |
June 1, 2009 |
Program Ends: |
August 7, 2009 |
Application Process
The deadline for applying to CS Scholars has been extended!
All application materials must be received by March 16, 2009.
- Review the descriptions of 2009 Research Projects and rank your choices.
- Complete the online 2009 Application Form. (2009 application coming soon)
- Include two personal statements, "Program Interest & Career Goals"
and "Support for Women in Technical Fields" (email to pesmith@umd.edu).
A. Program Interest & Career Goals (two page maximum): Describe your interest in
the CS Scholar internship, indicating how your participation will help further your
academic and career goals. Include an explanation of your interest/experience in the
project(s) you identified on your application form. This is an opportunity for you to present your experiences, extracurricular activities, strengths,and specific skills.
B. Support for Women in Technical Fields (one page maximum): Describe your
commitment to supporting women in engineering, mathematics, computer science and
physical science. - Submit request for travel assistance funds and indicate if you will require housing through the CS REU program (Limited funding is available to assist students with travel. Please provide a detailed estimate of your travel expenses to and from the University of Maryland). Please submit this information to pesmith@umd.edu.
- Mail official transcripts from each institution you have attended plus current coursework, if not indicated.
- Download form and collect two letters of recommendation (pdf) from professional or academic references (Click here to download Adobe Reader). One reference must be from a science, engineering, or mathematics reference (see application).
- Submit items 3 and 4 electronically to pesmith@umd.edu (please include "2009 CS REU" and your name in the subject line).
- Submit items 5 and 6 to:
CS REU Scholars
Women in Engineering Program
1131 Glenn L. Martin Hall
College Park MD 20742
For Additional Information Contact
Paige E. Smith, Ph.D.
Director, Women in Engineering Program
(301) 405-3931
pesmith@umd.edu
Undergrad Home | Success Stories | Mentoring | Teaching Fellow | Research Fellow
